CASTRIES, St. Lucia – Birds chirp sweetly as if they are saying ‘leve! leve!’ (get up! get up!) In St. Lucian patois. The sunlight peeks, as a faint breeze kisses you on the cheek, the sound of waves lashing against the stone saying, ‘that’s enough sleep, you have arrived, you’re here at Jade Mountain, it’s time to begin your day’.
You open your eyes and its reality, not a dream. You are in your sanctuary at Nick Troubetzkoy’s Jade Mountain in St. Lucia. Yes, sanctuary, because its suites are too special to be called rooms, they are called sanctuaries.
This picturesque property is complemented by a breathtaking ocean view with St. Lucia’s Piton Mountains insight.
Jade Mountain’s enthralling landscape makes one feel as if they are in another world. Entering this property at night gives the sense of “natural mystic blowing in the air.” The journey there is no easy feat; it is a slow process up a one-lane gravel road high up the mountain. The ride is mesmerizing though, and sure to make the visitor wonder how construction was accomplished.
The journey is worth it, and the staff at Jade Mountain and its amenities, make sure of that.
Once there is verification visitors are on the list, Jade’s personal driver takes you the rest of the way. Once at the resort, they are greeted with warm smiles, a cool washcloth with aromatherapy and a glass of fruit-infused water. Once assigned a Butler/Major Domos (like the awesome Tony!), you are ushered to your sanctuary, and given a cell phone to reach them. This astounding oasis is divine and comes with a butler too? What more can one ask for? This is awesome!
A little background about Jade Mountain which is located 1.5 miles North of Soufriere, approximately 55 minutes from UVF Hewanorra International Airport. Known for its organic architecture, it sits on Morne Chastanet which overlooks St. Lucia’s Piton World Heritage site and the Caribbean Sea. The property rises majestically above the 600-acre beachfront estate and Anse Chastanet Resort.
Nick Troubetzkoy, a Russian-Canadian architect, worked with Ron Thom, Bud Wood and Arthur Erickson to build a masterpiece. Troubetzkoy’s love for St. Lucia led him to build it and resorts like the Anse Chastanet.
According to their website, “It was his foremost desire to create a unique living experience that would not only take full advantage of the unforgettable views of St. Lucia’s Piton mountains but to essentially allow the onlooker to float into space and become one with them.”
Having “great” respect for local woodworkers and masons, Mr. Troubetzkoy employed them to work on his resort which has a distinctive Caribbean flavor. Its 15-feet high ceilings and environmentally-friendly furniture are from St. Lucia; hardwood floors were done in Guyana; and walls were complete with Crushed Blush-toned coral plaster from Barbados.
The bathroom is European-inspired with no artificial air.
Internet access is available in the reception area as well as the sanctuaries if requested. However, the philosophy at Jade Mountain is to enjoy a “techno-free ambiance.”
Other attractive amenities include a boutique, spa, fitness studio, restaurant, and pools. Jade Mountain specializes in Infinity pools (where it appears the pool meets the ocean) which is a perfect setting for lovers.
Sanctuaries have celestial categories; the Star, Moon, Sun, Sky and Galaxy.
If the visitor is fortunate to be housed in a Galaxy with is the highest level, they will have the “most commanding panoramic views plus biggest square footage.” There are dining services available and specialty candlelight packages on request or they can dine at Anse Chastanet.
Chef de Cuisine Elijah Jules and his team prepare succulent dishes and delightful desserts.
Activities of interest include Jazzy Champagne Sunset Cruise, Yoga, Zip Lining, and SeaLife cameras. There is also scuba diving or snorkeling, the Chocolate Lab, shopping, an art gallery and culinary activities if one chooses to leave their sanctuary.
Jade Mountain lives up to its lofty reputation. It is obvious why it has won several awards including Most Breathtaking View from Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts and Number One Resort in St. Lucia. It is the only restaurant in the English-Speaking Caribbean to earn a 3 Chef Hat (Toque) rating. This is a must-do for your Bucket List, you would not have fully lived if you have not experienced Jade Mountain!
